Inspired by Unpack the Arts(the European Residency Programme for Cultural Journalists), Speaking Circus will follow a contemporary circus performance with discussions and presentations about contemporary circus history, disciplines and influences. The primary focus of this event is a half-day long seminar. You are encouraged to view the performance the previous evening, as it will be referenced in some of the panels.

PRESENTERS

Joe Melillo (Executive Producer at BAM), Duncan Wall (author of The Ordinary Acrobat), Karen Fricker (theater critic and professor at Brock University), Mary Rose Lloyd (Director of Artistic Programming at The New Victory Theater), Monique Martin (Director of Family Programming at City Parks Foundation), Lotta Vaulo (Managing Director of Circus Info Finland), members of the Race Horse Company and Suzi Winson (founder of Circus Warehouse).

Contemporary Circus refers to any performance that uses traditional circus skills to emotionally, intellectually and viscerally engage audiences. It is extremely popular in Europe, Canada and Australia - and now the U.S. is catching up. We haven’t seen this much enthusiasm and innovation in American circuses since the Ringling Brothers started traveling by train. A massive scene is happening right under America’s feet and Circus Now wants to give you the scoop.